The two (elite football and great academics) need to be present for it to be unique for the kid and his parents. There are numerous places one can receive a top quality education without the presence of elite football. If Notre Dame sacrifices either one for the betterment of the other, they forfeit any chance of calling themselves "special" in the recruiting world. It is a tough pill to swallow, however it is true nonetheless. Football needs to be fixed immediately. If not, we're no different than Northwestern or Vanderbilt.